E-distribución, the Redes subsidiary of Endesa, has initiated a campaign to inspect all electrical boxes in the vicinity of San Vicente Ferrer Street and its surroundings in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, aiming to detect “potential irregularities” following the tragic death of a dog, allegedly electrocuted, last week.
Endesa technicians have confirmed several instances of electrical installations where the cables appeared damaged due to the direct actions of rodents; however, this circumstance did not pose a risk to pedestrians as the wiring was shielded by the infrastructure cover.
In this context, the company emphasises in a statement that only personnel from the electrical company are permitted to open and manipulate electrical manholes.
Thus far, the company has inspected over 300 manholes within the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, yet the operators involved will continue their work in the following days with the goal of inspecting up to 500 underground electrical installations.
In instances where damage to the wiring cover caused by rodent activity is observed, intervention and protection using insulating materials is conducted, and several manholes have also been addressed by reinforcing access seals, as explained by the electrical company.
The decision to assemble this special team of operators was made following the death of a dog last Tuesday after it stepped on one of the manhole covers on San Vicente Ferrer Street, a situation technicians have described as “unusual.”
In this regard, the company clarifies that it is continuing its investigation into the circumstances to ascertain whether there was any fault and, if so, what might have led to it.
Over the upcoming weeks, Endesa will compile all gathered information and be able to submit the technical report it is preparing concerning this unfortunate incident to the relevant authorities.
The company wishes to reassure the public by stating that the inspection of the manholes in the area where this incident took place has been conducted as a preventive measure and that technicians have confirmed that they are safe structures for pedestrians.
In fact, manholes are the most prevalent electrical feature in urban areas.
Endesa has reached out to the owner of the deceased pet, thanking them for their cordiality during the conversation, expressing their condolences, and offering any assistance they may require due to their loss.
Representatives from E-distribution have also been in constant communication with the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, according to the electricity company.
Conversely, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has given the electricity company a deadline of 10 days to submit a report regarding the incident and has indicated that if a rat infestation is found, it is the responsibility of the electricity company to address it.
